Biologist Postdoctoral Fellow

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL ) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE ) Division has an opening for a Biologist Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team.

In this role, you will work on solving exciting scientific challenges to mitigate the level of greenhouse gasses using bioengineering. This research project will involve the screening of microbes for growth on C1-substrates and subsequently performing microbial metabolic strain engineering of non-model hosts for biofuel production from C1- substrates. You will have the opportunity to develop genetic tools and expression systems for recombinant product synthesis in non-model hosts and perform final strain and product analysis in bioreactors. This role will work in a team with expert scientists, developing state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools and biochemical pathways for biofuel production.

This position has an anticipated start date of March 1, 2024.

What You Will Do:

• Screen multiple formatotrophs and methylotrophs for growth on C1-substrates.
• Utilize manual and/or automated methods for growth and product screening.
• Employ replicative plasmids or genome integration for biochemical pathway expression.
• Develop genetic manipulation protocols for a non-model bacterial host.
• Perform biochemical analysis, transcript analysis, metabolite analysis and data analysis.
• Conduct strain performance analysis in bioreactor.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed electronic scientific logbook of all experiments performed.
• Conduct practical experiments and original work that meet milestones of projects.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and regular progress reports.
• Attend meetings for timely reporting of research progress.
• Assist Principal Investigator with training and managing workflow of student scientists.

• Participate and present data at group meetings and seminars.
• Maintain and support scientific equipment.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Life sciences or a related discipline.
• Experience with genetic tool development of bacteria, including plasmid construction, DNA transformation, genomic integration and deletions, metabolite, and enzyme screening.
• Experience with analytical instruments including HPLC, plate readers, and spectrophotometers.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and cell culturing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of microbial physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and strain engineering strategies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals as a first author, and present at conferences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with fermentation and bioprocess development.
• Experience with DNA extraction, metabolite extraction, isolation and structure elucidation (HPLC, LC-MS, GC, and/or GC-MS) and reporter gene assays.
• Understanding of biotic C1 uptake systems.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools for plasmid design, DNA sequence analysis and function assessment.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume by February 8, 2024.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,374-$6,444 and is expected to start at $5,374 or above. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes and are paid on a step schedule per union contract. Salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East Operations Center (ESE) — Bldg. 978, located at 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA 94608.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community.  For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: “Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law” and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.